Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot

Forbes.com caught up with Michael Bay via phone to ask him a few questions about his career and Transformers 4. Despite what star Mark Wahlberg has said to the contrary, Bay reiterates that TF4 is not a reboot. You can read the entire interview here. A few excerpts have been pulled for your convenience below.

Forbes wrote:Will that change the way you do anything on Transformers 4?We’re going to start off smaller. There’s a brand new cast. To freshen the franchise we’ve redesigned everything from top to bottom. The history of the first three movies is still there, we start four years later and there’s a reason why we’re meeting a new cast.

Mark is really excited about it and it’s a great redesign. I said that 3 [which grossed $1.1 billion] was going to be my last one. Paramount was letting me do Pain & Gain and the Transformers ride was opening at Universal and it was bittersweet to think of passing it off. I wanted to set it up on a really sure footing and to bring someone else in on that, it would have been overwhelming.

So is 4 a reboot?

No, that’s wrong. We keep the Transformers the way they were, it’s just four years later. There’s a reason the Transformers are redesigned. We’re trying to broaden the franchise and give it more places to go.

There is also a contest being run by Doritos where two commercials by amateur filmmakers previously chosen will run during the Super Bowl. The filmmaker with the highest ranking commercial according to the USA Today Ad Meter will get a job working with Bay on TF4.

Forbes wrote:Why did you agree to take part in the Doritos contest?MICHAEL BAY: I got a call from my agent asking if I wanted to do this Doritos thing. It sounded like bullshit to me. I’d seen their commercials at the Super Bowl and I thought they were done by pros. When I found out they were amateurs, I thought it was a great way to help a young filmmaker break into the business.

What will the winner actually get to do on the Transformers 4 set?Replace me as director. No, we’ll see who the person is and depending on what he is interested in being, a producer or a director, we’ll try to tailor the job. It’s all hard work when you’re working on a movie.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460442)
Posted by YRQRM0 on February 2nd, 2013 @ 7:25pm CST

I would be surprised if there was actually a reason why the robots are different..

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460453)
Posted by Ultra Markus on February 2nd, 2013 @ 8:44pm CST

"to broaden the franchise and give it more places to go"what does he mean by that and should we be worried?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460460)
Posted by SKYWARPED_128 on February 2nd, 2013 @ 9:10pm CST

Well, Hasbro needs new designs to sell toys, and even they know that giving Bee a new spoiler for his Camaro ain't gonna cut it any more.

I wonder if they're still keeping Bee as part of the cast.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460468)
Posted by buddhaquest on February 2nd, 2013 @ 9:31pm CST

The Transformers in the film will be smaller and more expensive as per Hasbro's wishes.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460471)
Posted by Doubledealer93 on February 2nd, 2013 @ 9:37pm CST

i really hope they get rid of that wretched yellow hunk of scrap.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460482)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on February 2nd, 2013 @ 10:10pm CST

buddhaquest wrote:The Transformers in the film will be smaller and more expensive as per Hasbro's wishes.

It will not be rebooted, we're just redesigning everything from the ground up.

No one can get their facts straight. Watch as instead of complex living machines, the TFs are shapeshifting blobs. Oi.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the designs of the films. Just wish there wasn't so much secrecy surrounding these films. Sometimes, when I'm searching for news of the movie, I feel like I need to unplug my pc so my mom doesn't see what's on the screen.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460483)
Posted by warzon3 on February 2nd, 2013 @ 10:10pm CST

I think they are going to go to cybertron or outer space, so it will give them leeway to do crazy stuff...and it will be an excuse for a new team of Autobots

I just wish it was less about the humans and more about the Autobots and Decpeticons. The robots as characters have no personal back story to really care about, and no meaningful dialogue.

Recently I got rid of my movie toys, not because I don't like the toys themselves, I think they rivial some classics stuff, but because I have no attachment to the bland characters from the movie...

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460497)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on February 2nd, 2013 @ 11:10pm CST

warzon3 wrote:I think they are going to go to cybertron or outer space, so it will give them leeway to do crazy stuff...and it will be an excuse for a new team of Autobots

I just wish it was less about the humans and more about the Autobots and Decpeticons. The robots as characters have no personal back story to really care about, and no meaningful dialogue.

Recently I got rid of my movie toys, not because I don't like the toys themselves, I think they rivial some classics stuff, but because I have no attachment to the bland characters from the movie...

I feel the autobots had enough "personality" to go around. I wish the decepticons had more badassery to their names, rather than just being scary.

Now going just by the first one, even with the humans, I'd say all the robots had plenty of personality, especially given that each 'con had his "big moment" in the film. The problem with the subsequent films is that, imo, they are the adventures of Bumblebee and Optimus, featuring Sam, with special guest appearances by Megs and Screamer. All the other 'cons were cannon fodder, for 'Bee and co.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460502)
Posted by Ultra Markus on February 2nd, 2013 @ 11:42pm CST

Nemesis Maximo wrote:

warzon3 wrote:I think they are going to go to cybertron or outer space, so it will give them leeway to do crazy stuff...and it will be an excuse for a new team of Autobots

I just wish it was less about the humans and more about the Autobots and Decpeticons. The robots as characters have no personal back story to really care about, and no meaningful dialogue.

Recently I got rid of my movie toys, not because I don't like the toys themselves, I think they rivial some classics stuff, but because I have no attachment to the bland characters from the movie...

I feel the autobots had enough "personality" to go around. I wish the decepticons had more badassery to their names, rather than just being scary.

Now going just by the first one, even with the humans, I'd say all the robots had plenty of personality, especially given that each 'con had his "big moment" in the film. The problem with the subsequent films is that, imo, they are the adventures of Bumblebee and Optimus, featuring Sam, with special guest appearances by Megs and Screamer. All the other 'cons were cannon fodder, for 'Bee and co.

i agree they should have made megatron the murderous tyrant that he was supposed to be and screamer the opportunistic back stabber instead they were not any were close

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460542)
Posted by BeastProwl on February 3rd, 2013 @ 3:43am CST

Oh, because there are bad guys just lining up around the block after DOTM. And let's not forget all the unfixed inconsistencies. I doubt they will be addressed.

I liked the movies for what they were, and DOTM was the end. Seriously. The final chapter, you know? What now? Optimus sees his life flash before his eyes and we watch the last three films but with better editing and no mistakes /Wishful Thinking

And all that time Sam was working with the autobots, suddenly he gets a growth spurt after just 4 more years and becomes another actor? Or are they just going to dump you like the last girl?

And what about the aligned continuity? The movies get a pass? I mean, I can see why they cant, but I thought everything from here on out was "aligned"

I dont get why they couldn't reboot it. Optimus is Optimus, and Bee is Bee. Like the kids would mind?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460555)
Posted by Sodan-1 on February 3rd, 2013 @ 5:18am CST

warzon3 wrote:I just wish it was less about the humans and more about the Autobots and Decpeticons. The robots as characters have no personal back story to really care about, and no meaningful dialogue.

Amen to that! But with three new main actors, I'm thinking that's unlikely to happen.

As for the reason why the Cybertronians have new designs (if there is indeed going to be one that ties in to the plot) I'm going with the governments of Earth wanted their precious lubricants after the events of DoTM, and so they were forced to take new forms in order to stay hidden. (Cue a Transformers/G.I. Joe crossover.)

And they do such a good job of staying hidden that we never actually know they're there, staying in alt-mode all the way through to the point where it's just another Michael Bay movie starring Mark Wahlberg and a couple of kids.

I still watch the first three movies, trying to find a reason to like them, but it's just not happening.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460588)
Posted by Capt.Failure on February 3rd, 2013 @ 9:55am CST

Sodan-1 wrote:

warzon3 wrote:I just wish it was less about the humans and more about the Autobots and Decpeticons. The robots as characters have no personal back story to really care about, and no meaningful dialogue.

Amen to that! But with three new main actors, I'm thinking that's unlikely to happen.

From a standpoint of practicality and pragmatism, no it's not. Until we can find actual Transformers to hire on as actors the cost of visual effects will keep humans in the forefront. Of course it's easier to just say "BAY HATES TRANSFORMERS!!!" than realize it's a sound directorial decision. To be completely honest I kind of prefer there being human characters who aren't useless tag-along kids.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460594)
Posted by warzon3 on February 3rd, 2013 @ 10:31am CST

Yes, they need humans to sell the movie to a wider audience, but I think they can make it a little more even. They have the production system in place after 3 movies. The efficency of the special effects could allow for more robot time.

Bay's movies feel like its more a movie about a Boy primarily. Rather than as Transformers movie.

Just look at Transformers Prime and the Character development. They had meaningful back stories or motivations. I know it is just a 2 hour movie, but I wish Bay kind of took a page from them...

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460602)
Posted by Megatron Wolf on February 3rd, 2013 @ 11:53am CST

why 4 years shouldnt it be more than that? Sure alot can happen in 4 years but would make more sense to have the time be 10 years or more. With a longer time period you can totally redesign the bots add a bunch of new characters & restaff without little explanation. But thus us bay & hasvbro we're talking about and theres not one intelligent bone between them. But i do like that this movies off to such a great start, think there are more inconsistencies in this one so far than there were in the last 3 combined. But as long as bay is in control i have no hope for the movies, and as long has hasbro keeps doing what their doing i have no hope for the franchise.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460619)
Posted by Rated X on February 3rd, 2013 @ 12:54pm CST

This whole reboot/not a reboot saga is getting really stupid. Lets just waterboard Michael Bay till he tells us the plot.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460620)
Posted by Capt.Failure on February 3rd, 2013 @ 1:08pm CST

Bay has stated time and again it's not a reboot. Not sure were the confusion is coming from.

The confusion comes from actors on Micheal Bay's payroll that are calling it a reboot. In particular, Marky Mark.

And somehow the word of an actor who just joined the cast is greater than the frakin' director?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460666)
Posted by SKYWARPED_128 on February 3rd, 2013 @ 7:18pm CST

warzon3 wrote:Yes, they need humans to sell the movie to a wider audience, but I think they can make it a little more even. They have the production system in place after 3 movies. The efficency of the special effects could allow for more robot time.

Bay's movies feel like its more a movie about a Boy primarily. Rather than as Transformers movie.

Just look at Transformers Prime and the Character development. They had meaningful back stories or motivations. I know it is just a 2 hour movie, but I wish Bay kind of took a page from them...

Agreed on all points, although I will say this much; IMO, DOTM was a small step in the right direction.

The plot at least gave the Transformers more dpth this time around, featuring Sentinel as a turncoat, and Ironhide's death is done far more meaningfully than, say, the Arcees and Jetfire. While Jetfire's death is technically poignant, I personally felt nothing for his sacrifice. Maybe it's just that I don't like his "old man with Alzheimer's" characterization.

I could well be alone in this, but DOTM seems to feature far more characterization of the bots than the other two movies put together.

Sam's role in this was simply that he wanted to feel important again, while the plot (flawed as it is) developed independently. He makes his own contributions in unraveling the Decepticons' plans, but at least it never focused solely on him. Optimus has his own demons to fight after discovering his mentor's true motives, and even Megatron is trying to come to grips with his failing authority--though sadly these elements weren't very effectively shown on screen (hence, a small step in the right direction).

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460671)
Posted by Capt.Failure on February 3rd, 2013 @ 7:40pm CST

warzon3 wrote:Yes, they need humans to sell the movie to a wider audience, but I think they can make it a little more even. They have the production system in place after 3 movies. The efficency of the special effects could allow for more robot time.

Bay's movies feel like its more a movie about a Boy primarily. Rather than as Transformers movie.

Just look at Transformers Prime and the Character development. They had meaningful back stories or motivations. I know it is just a 2 hour movie, but I wish Bay kind of took a page from them...

Two problems here:

1. Just because it has more screen time for human characters doesn't mean it isn't a Transformers movie.

2. Bay isn't in charge of characterization. Blame the writers for that.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460725)
Posted by AutoBorst on February 4th, 2013 @ 6:52am CST

Ultra Markus wrote:"to broaden the franchise and give it more places to go"what does he mean by that and should we be worried?

All it means is giving Hasbro more toys and repaints to flood stores with.

I'll be avoiding this new movie like I did the last two. These films are complete trash.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460740)
Posted by noctorro on February 4th, 2013 @ 9:10am CST

Very excited about part 4.

I think the designs will go in the direction of Gundam. So less milions of tiny parts but more big plates. Like Fall Of Cybertron.

But we do have to remember, Transformers aren't combat suits for humans. Their technology is far superior and all parts have to work kind of organic. Not simple cogs and a few wires.

I agree, you can't put the bots in front, rendering these guys costs way more then an actor.

I have high hopes for the next, DOTM was great imho, (I do focus on the good parts and try to mentally avoid the bad parts). And I gotta say, that was pretty hard in ROTF. Just let the stupid silly bots be handbag sized so they can't do anything relevant in battle. Then again, Brains and Wheely were pretty funny

Hopefully Hasbro will complete the main cast in figures and in good scale, still waiting for DOTM Leader Megatron/Shockwave.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460775)
Posted by syphonn on February 4th, 2013 @ 11:57am CST

So they'll kill Megatron for the fourth time.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460791)
Posted by Kibble on February 4th, 2013 @ 1:22pm CST

Plot? Wait...are you just trying to get Bay to be waterboarded to death?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460800)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on February 4th, 2013 @ 1:41pm CST

SKYWARPED_128 wrote:

warzon3 wrote:Yes, they need humans to sell the movie to a wider audience, but I think they can make it a little more even. They have the production system in place after 3 movies. The efficency of the special effects could allow for more robot time.

Bay's movies feel like its more a movie about a Boy primarily. Rather than as Transformers movie.

Just look at Transformers Prime and the Character development. They had meaningful back stories or motivations. I know it is just a 2 hour movie, but I wish Bay kind of took a page from them...

Agreed on all points, although I will say this much; IMO, DOTM was a small step in the right direction.

The plot at least gave the Transformers more dpth this time around, featuring Sentinel as a turncoat, and Ironhide's death is done far more meaningfully than, say, the Arcees and Jetfire. While Jetfire's death is technically poignant, I personally felt nothing for his sacrifice. Maybe it's just that I don't like his "old man with Alzheimer's" characterization.

I could well be alone in this, but DOTM seems to feature far more characterization of the bots than the other two movies put together.

Sam's role in this was simply that he wanted to feel important again, while the plot (flawed as it is) developed independently. He makes his own contributions in unraveling the Decepticons' plans, but at least it never focused solely on him. Optimus has his own demons to fight after discovering his mentor's true motives, and even Megatron is trying to come to grips with his failing authority--though sadly these elements weren't very effectively shown on screen (hence, a small step in the right direction).

This summarizes my feelings perfectly. DOTM was one giant leap in the wanton destruction of Chicago...one small step in the right direction. I just take 'em for what they are.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1460833)
Posted by 9adam83 on February 4th, 2013 @ 4:09pm CST

Michael Bay is a talentless moron that needs a severe beating! His Bayformers Movies are garbage and have nothing to do with Transformers. I am sick and tired of seeing this moron screw up something that I hold dear to me and my 80's childhood. This clown has destroyed anything good from the franchise and to take "Creative design" to the Transformers is nothing to be pleased about! Sorry, but Hasbro and Bayformers will not get any money from me! G1 all the way!

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1461045)
Posted by NatsumeRyu on February 5th, 2013 @ 12:28pm CST

What if the reason the GIJoe movie got pushed back was because it hints at a crossover and they wanted it to be secret longer? D: If so, mind blown. Kill me now so I can't have my high hopes dashed, please.

Oh please oh please oh please do a crossover. Please.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1462989)
Posted by shortwave on February 10th, 2013 @ 7:56am CST

I just want the movies to be good i promised my little brother i would see them 12 hours before he died. And my god they were horrific ok i admit i enjoyed the 1st one but that was more nostalgia than anything.the only reason i saw the last two were hope thay were good and a promise that i would.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463074)
Posted by Nemesis Maximo on February 10th, 2013 @ 11:11am CST

Look on the bright side: at least they can't possibly be as bad as Battleship.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463156)
Posted by shortwave on February 10th, 2013 @ 2:07pm CST

B4 damit B4. the aliens ate invading get one tank to travel from left to right and fire upwards its out only hope.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463222)
Posted by Capt.Failure on February 10th, 2013 @ 5:36pm CST

shortwave wrote:B4 damit B4. the aliens ate invading get one tank to travel from left to right and fire upwards its out only hope.

...

What?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463325)
Posted by shortwave on February 11th, 2013 @ 5:05am CST

Space invaders. how young are you?

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463563)
Posted by Capt.Failure on February 11th, 2013 @ 7:41pm CST

shortwave wrote:Space invaders. how young are you?

I recall that film when it was in theaters. Never saw it. No need to call age into question like a petulant fanboy.

Re: Michael Bay Reiterates That Transformers 4 is Not a Reboot (1463810)
Posted by shortwave on February 12th, 2013 @ 2:49pm CST

Not being petulant just trying to put a smile on peoples faces. some thing most directors and writers these days cant do.